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Dendrolycopodium dendroideum

prickly tree-clubmoss

Lycopodiaceae

Northern North America and northeastern Asia

Native to North America

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 2–7

Overview

Dendrolycopodium dendroideum is an evergreen clubmoss, a spore-bearing relative of ferns, that grows as a small, tree-like shoot 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall. Upright stems rise from a horizontal rhizome that runs along or just beneath the soil surface, branching repeatedly near the top into a flat-topped, miniature conifer form. The needle-like leaves, called microphylls, are about 0.2-0.3 inch (4-7 mm) long, stiff, and arranged in many ranks, giving the shoot a bristly, prickly texture. The plant reproduces by spores rather than seeds or flowers, producing them in narrow yellowish cones (strobili) held singly at the stem tips in late summer and fall. Spores ripen and disperse on the wind, while the rhizome spreads the colony outward over years. D. dendroideum grows in cool, moist, acidic woodland soils across northern forests, often under conifers or birch. It is slow to establish and difficult to transplant because of its dependence on soil fungi, which limits its use in cultivation. Colonies persist for decades where conditions stay cool and undisturbed.

Native Range

Dendrolycopodium dendroideum is native to northern North America and northeastern Asia, ranging across boreal and temperate forests of Canada, the northern United States, and the Appalachian Mountains. It grows in acidic, moist conifer and mixed woodland.

Suggested Uses

Dendrolycopodium dendroideum is grown chiefly in native woodland and shade gardens that mimic its forest habitat. Its evergreen, conifer-like shoots add winter structure at ground level among ferns and mosses. Historically the spores were collected as lycopodium powder for flash powder and pharmacy.

How to Identify

Look for a small, upright, tree-like green shoot 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall with a flat, branched crown resembling a tiny conifer. The stiff, needle-like leaves stand out in many rows along the branches, giving a bristly feel. In late summer narrow yellowish cones at the branch tips distinguish it from running clubmosses such as Lycopodium clavatum, which trail along the ground rather than forming upright shoots.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height4" - 1'

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years

Colors

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

This clubmoss does not flower; it reproduces by spores. Narrow yellowish cones (strobili) form at the shoot tips in late summer through fall, roughly August to October. Spores ripen and release on dry, breezy days.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range4.0 - 5.5(Acidic)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

several years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Dendrolycopodium dendroideum needs cool, consistently moist, acidic soil rich in organic matter and partial to full shade. It depends on associated soil fungi, so it resists transplanting and rarely survives moves from the wild. Where established, it spreads slowly by surface rhizomes and needs no feeding or routine care. Summer heat, drying, and soil disturbance cause decline. It tolerates deep shade beneath conifers but will not grow in alkaline or compacted soil. Mature colonies are long-lived once their fungal partners are in place.

Pruning

No pruning is required or practiced. Dead shoots are shed naturally and decompose into the forest litter. The rhizome and standing shoots are left undisturbed, since cutting gives no benefit and can damage the slow-growing colony.